Coil overs

[whitetdci]

Just went looking for a new suspension set up for the MA TDCi as it had done 240,000 km and was very skippy in the rear end. Not many options to choose from and many were very ordinary and very expensive. $1700 fitted which was not a lot more than the other crap that was on offer. They are fully adjustable in height and damping rate (36 points of adjustment I think). I have them on full soft which is just fine and still quite firm.
this is what they look like
http://www.bc-racing.com.au/bc-racin...br-series.html

[whitetdci]

Just a note to all out there with similar vintage mondys. They suspension was absolutely shot. The rear dampers you could push in one handed and they did not come out at all, which in laymans terms means they were not working at all. The front strut inserts fared only marginally better. One side was a shot duck and the other worked but was marginal. The difference they made to the car was incredible. Turn in and initiation is almost instantaneous compared to the previous waterbed. Braking also improved with far less diving under heavy braking which takes up valuable time and distance. All together a much safer and more enjoyable package to drive.

[cobrin]

What model struts and springs please?

I've an '09 MB TDCI Zetec and want to fit a complete set too as mine are tired.

[blueoval]

Interesting stuff. I'd love to go coil overs but due to state legalities and insurance loopholes it wouldnt pay me to go down that path.

[whitetdci]

I have an MA Tdci but I don't think there would be much of any difference between the two. Check with Ford and see. What area are you in?

[Binny]

Nice! Well done on 240,000ks. Any other issues in that time?

[whitetdci]

The ac had an issue but that is about it.

[mik]

So did you go with the coil overs shown? and if you did how do find them as far as noise goes over potholes and dodgy road?

[whitetdci]

Originally Posted by mik

So did you go with the coil overs shown? and if you did how do find them as far as noise goes over potholes and dodgy road?

It is my wife's car and she says it is bumpier but she is over the moon with the changes to it. We have them set on the full soft damper setting and find that this is great for us. The mondy is our tow car so as such we have the set the height to standard. Having said that it is a totally different critter to drive now. The most important and impressive changes are the initiating and turn in and the diving under brakes, the latter of which has been particularly good. I have also fitted some fairly unknown but seemingly well rated tyres to the front to try out. Nexen Nfera SU1. I have only had these on for less than a week but already and pretty impressed with them. Picked them up for $125 a corner for the 235/45/17 which is around half the price of the goodyears that I was running before that. I had a chance last night to take them out for a bit of a drive in one of the passing thunderstorms to see how they went in the wet. I was more than happy with the results. Great lateral grip ( not as good as the Assymet 2s but still very respectable) and very good under heavy braking applications. Also did some slalom work at 100 kph to see how they responded to harsh directional change and again was impressed. Again this was partially testing tyres and partially testing suspension. All came through with flying colours. let me know where you are or possibly PM me and I can find out the details.

[mik]

Good effort mate, sometimes changing suspension or shocks doesn't always have desired results .

[whitetdci]

Too true mik and I did take a bit of a risk on the coil overs but I lessened that risk by doing a lot of research about that brand and asking many questions of the people fitting them. There are many coil overs out there that are ridiculously hard and may cause kidney problems down the track. Fortunately these aren't one of them.

[whitetdci]

A bit of a side note. The spring rate that I got on ours was fine for a sportier ride and ok on the freeway, but if I was to do it again I would drop the spring rate a bit to make it more comfortable. Also make sure that you get the extenders fitted for the damper adjustment at the rear. It does mean drilling a couple of holes but really what is the point of having adjustable dampers if you cant adjust them. Also had the BR's fitted to our other vehicle and the spring rates supplied are softer and is a much more compliant and comfortable ride whilst still giving a good level of handling. The mondy does handle like it is on rails now even though it hasn't been dropped.

[cobrin]

Originally Posted by cobrin

What model struts and springs please?

I've an '09 MB TDCI Zetec and want to fit a complete set too as mine are tired.

This would have been nice to know.

[whitetdci]

Sorry Cobrin, life's been busy. I have just been on the phone to BC australia who didn't have the model on their webpage. I think they are going to change that soon. I can't actually help you with the model number but if you contact them I am sure that they will be able to help you out.

[whitetdci]

BC AU reckon the spring rate is 8 at the front and 9 at the rear!!! Like whaaa? I said. You mean the front rates are less than the rear? Yes was the reply. Mmm that is not right. I think someone somewhere is reading something a little wrong.